Sermons on Hard Sayings:

Open Up And Say Ah!

Contributed by Tony Searles on Apr 17, 2002

God can & will open doors for us in ministry, but we must remember to keep our focus on Him. We cannot afford to look at those things which would deter us from God’s will.

Stand & Read - Rev. 3:7-13 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this: [8] ’I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13, James 4:10

Denomination: Other

What Baptism Says-1

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Jan 23, 2012

1 of 2. John’s public baptism revealed/secured Jesus’ significance. This is a springboard to understanding Christian public baptism. But What does baptism reveal? Baptism says that...

WHAT BAPTISM SAYS-I—Luke 3:21-23 Significance of Baptism Attention: Ralph goes to visit his grandmother & brings his friend , George with him. While Ralph talking to his grandmother, Jim starts eating the peanuts on the coffee table, & finishes them off. As they’re leaving, George says to his ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:21-23

Denomination: Baptist

Who Says It's Right? Series

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Jan 5, 2004

The people of Israel weren’t the only people to do what seemed right in their own eyes, it’s still happening.

“Who Says it’s right?” Judges 17:6 Begin with reading from “Through the Looking Glass” “What a beautiful belt you’ve got on!” Alice suddenly remarked. (They had had quite enough of the subject of age, she thought: and if they really were to take turns in choosing subjects, it was her turn now.) ...read more

Scripture: Judges 17:1-6

Denomination: Wesleyan

What Would Jesus Say? Series

Contributed by Kevin Higgins on Oct 4, 2004

Sermon 4 of 4: What would Jesus say about the way we celebrate Christmas today?

Revelation 12:1-5 What Would Jesus Say? Introduction The year was 1809. The international scene was looking bleak. Napoleon was sweeping through Austria; blood was flowing freely. Nobody then and there cared much about babies. But the world was overlooking some very significant births. It always ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 12:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

When God Says No! Series

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Nov 21, 2010

Gods Promise to David. (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request - email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

When God Says "No!” Reading: 2 Samuel chapter 7: Ill: • All of us are familiar with the ‘Taj Mahal’ in India. • It is one of the most recognizable structures in the world. • But not everyone knows the story behind it. • In 1631, a great emperor named Shah Jahan; • Built this beautiful ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:1-29

Denomination: Brethren

What Can I Say?

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Jun 15, 2019

This is a farewell sermon I preached at two of the churches I've been serving as I move on to my next appointment.

Ah … famous last words. Here’s a few I thought you might enjoy or find interesting: When convicted murderer James W. Rodgers was put in front of a firing squad in Utah, he was asked if he had any last requests. “Yeah,” he said, “bring me a bullet-proof vest.” Drummer Buddy Rich died after ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-17

Denomination: United Methodist

Trusting What God Says Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Sep 14, 2008

God’s Word cannot fail because He is faithful and He is fair...and He will never drop you.

Trusting What God Says Romans 9:6-18 Rev. Brian Bill 9/14/08 Note: I have benefited greatly from the insights of my friend and ministry mentor Ray Pritchard. Parts of this sermon are taken from “God’s Word Has Not Failed” and are used by permission: www.keepbelieving.com. In May 1995, Randy ...read more

Scripture: Romans 9:6-18

Denomination: Baptist

Harder Than A Rock Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Jun 19, 2016

This is the 2nd sermon in the series "Jesus Is Better- The Better Apostle". This is a warning to not allow your heart to become hardened.

Series: Jesus Is Better- The Better Apostle [#2] HARDER THAN A ROCK Hebrews 3:7-19 Introduction: Have you ever met someone, that no matter how nice you are to them, they are never nice back? This morning our text gives us a warning? The warning is for the Christian; but the warning is also ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 3:7-19

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Is. . .! - Part 4 Series

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Jul 1, 2017

A journey through the book of Hebrews to discover who Jesus Is. . .! In this section, Jesus offers us REST!

Jesus Is . . .! Hebrews 4:1-12 July 2, 2017 Has anyone ever warned you that you should not do something? Sometimes when people warn us, we don’t take them seriously. Sometimes we think they are just being over-protective or they don’t want us to have fun, or they’re just being nags. Ever been ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Easter 2025: When Adversity Comes

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Apr 15, 2025

Everyone faces times of adversity but it is how we view and respond to the adversity that determines how those times will affect us. The disciples experienced this when Jesus was arrested and crucified. Their response can teach us about responding to adverse times.

Easter 2025 – When Adversity Comes Scripture: John 8:12; Mark 10:32-34; 16:9-11; James 1:2-3 Good morning Strangers Rest and happy Easter. This is surely the day the Lord has made so let us rejoice and be glad in it! Today we pause to commemorate the death and resurrection of our Lord and ...read more

Scripture: John 8:12, Mark 10:32-34, Mark 16:9-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Who's In Control Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Oct 25, 2009

We as humans have a hard time giving up control of anything, but in order to find the abundant life Jesus offers, we must cede authority of our lives to Him, even if that means going into choppy waters.

We began last time by looking at Jesus as He came down from giving the Sermon on the Mount. He begins to demonstrate that it isn’t all talk—that He really is the coming King and controls His creation, both the visible and invisible. We see Him first approached by two people who really have no ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 8:14-34

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

He Is A Keeper PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Nov 4, 2025

God is our ever-present, unfailing Helper and Keeper, offering constant care and strength amid life’s uncertainties, inviting us to trust Him completely.

Some of us walked in today with quiet questions in our hearts. How long will this last? Where will the help come from? The world can feel like a wall of hills, looming larger than our strength. When the bills stack up, when the diagnosis surprises, when the nights stretch on, the soul starts ...read more

Topics: God's Care, Hard Times

Marriage And The Heart

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Oct 23, 2022

Today’s text presents us with two touchy topics----- lust and divorce. All one has to do is look at the news, newspapers, and internet news outlets and see that there is fodder for discussion about these topics everywhere.

MARRIAGE AND THE HEART Text: Matthew 5:27 -32 Today’s text presents us with two touchy topics----- lust and divorce. All one has to do is look at the news, newspapers, and internet news outlets and see that there is fodder for discussion about these topics everywhere. What comes to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:27-32

Denomination: United Methodist

Chosen By Grace Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Nov 21, 2021

Paul gave 3 examples to show that God has not rejected Israel - his conversion, Elijah's experience and the remnant who believes. God hardens the hearts of unbelievers because they have chosen to harden their own hearts.

Romans 11:1-10 Chosen By Grace When a relationship breaks up, we have questions. Questions like: What’s the problem? Who caused it? How did it happen? • These are the questions Paul has been addressing in Rom 9-11 regarding Israel’s relationship with God, their unbelief and rejection of the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 11:1-10, Deuteronomy 29:2-4, James 1:13-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Gift Of Thick Skin Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 13, 2024

This peculiar passage gives us a poignant picture of the need for tenacity and determination in the face of opposition to the message of God.

THAT'S A SURPRISE: Sometimes God needs His people to be hardheaded. - Ezekiel 3:8-9. - This passage continues the ideas we discussed in the last sermon about God’s messengers. It had a warning from God that the Israelites claimed to be God’s people but they weren’t listening to what God had ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 3:4-9

Denomination: Baptist